[The ships of the whole fleet turn their bows from south to north as directed, and close up in two parallel curved columns, the concave side of each column being towards the enemy, and the interspaces of the first column being, in general, opposite the hulls of the second.] AN OFFICER [straining his eyes towards the English fleet] How they skip on! Their overcrowded sail Bulge like blown bladders in a tripeman's shop The market-morning after slaughterday! PETTY OFFICER It's morning before slaughterday with us, I make so bold to bode! [The English Admiral is seen to be signalling to his fleet. The signal is: “ENGLAND EXPECTS EVERY MAN TO DO HIS DUTY.” A loud cheering from all the English ships comes undulating on the wind when the signal is read.] VILLENEUVE They are signalling too--Well, business soon begins! You will reserve your fire. And be it known That we display no admirals' flags at all Until the action's past. 'Twill puzzle them, And work to our advantage when we close.-- Yes, they are double-ranked, I think, like us; But we shall see anon. MAGENDIE The foremost one Makes for the “Santa Ana.” In such case The “Fougueux” might assist her. VILLENEUVE Be it so-- There's time enough.--Our ships will be in place, And ready to speak back in iron words When theirs cry Hail! in the same sort of voice. [They prepare to receive the northernmost column of the enemy's ships headed by the “Victory,” trying the distance by an occasional single shot. During their suspense a discharge is heard southward, and turning they behold COLLINGWOOD at the head of his column in the “Royal Sovereign,” just engaging with the Spanish “Santa Ana.” Meanwhile the “Victory's” mizzen-topmast, with spars and a quantity of rigging, is seen to have fallen, her wheel to be shot away, and her deck encumbered with dead and wounded men.] VILLENEUVE 'Tis well! But see; their course is undelayed, And still they near in clenched audacity! DAUDIGNON Which aim deft Lucas o' the “Redoubtable” Most gallantly bestirs him to outscheme.-- See, how he strains, that on his timbers fall Blows that were destined for his Admiral! [During this the French ship “Redoubtable” is moving forward to interpose itself between the approaching “Victory” and the “Bucentaure.”] VILLENEUVE Now comes it! The “Santisima Trinidad,” The old “Redoubtable's” hard sides, and ours, Will take the touse of this bombastic blow. Your grapnels and your boarding-hatchets--ready! We'll dash our eagle on the English deck, And swear to fetch it! CREW Ay! We swear. Huzza Long live the Emperor!